The Substitute Bride

Anthony flashed a smile. "Here we go again. You don't have to be so formal with me," he told Arthur. "Autumn is not only a friend but also your granddaughter, so I will take very good care of her," he assured.

Arthur laughed, admiring Anthony even more. "Still, I want to say thank you," he told his old friend's grandson. The two men shook hands as Anthony turned to leave the ward.

He did more rounds before returning to his office to rest a bit. As he was settling down, someone knocked on his door. Anthony refreshed himself before calling out," Come in, please." He thought it was a patient who needed consultation.

Lisa pushed the door open quietly and entered the room. Anthony scowled when he saw her. "What are you doing here?" he asked brusquely.

"I came to bring you some coffee," Lisa explained. She smiled and offered the cup in her hand. Lisa wanted so badly to patch things up with Anthony.

But he just gave her a quick glance and said coolly," I don't want coffee right now. I'm tired and just want to have a break alone. So can you please go now?"

Lisa dropped by Anthony's office everyday, except when she was on duty and making rounds. Like Anthony, she also worked at Y Hospital. Now, all the hospital staff knew she was ardently pursuing Anthony and he did not like it one bit. He was already getting annoyed with Lisa but controlled his temper.

She offered," Do you want me to massage your neck and shoulders?" Lisa moved behind Anthony's chair. But he quickly saw what she was attempting to do and quickly got out of his chair, shouting," No, thank you! Will you just let me rest in peace?"

His sudden burst of temper petrified Lisa. She realized Anthony had run out of patience with her.

Lisa lacked the soft features of Chinese women. She had a long nose and pointed chin. Her eyes were beginning to water as she stared at Anthony. She started to speak but was interrupted.

"Please leave now. I'm not in a good mood and want to be alone," he emphasized every word. Anthony only knew he had grown restless, but did not understand why. After leaving Autumn's ward, he became upset. So Lisa ended up at the receiving end of his bad temper.

"What is wrong with you?" Lisa asked with concern. She tried smiling again to calm him down. "You can tell me…" But Anthony was raging now and again raised his voice. "I asked you to leave. Did you hear what I'm saying?"

Lisa was dumbfounded and tried to speak. It was the first time she had seen Anthony become furious. She stared at him

s. She's actually lucky because it is just a light punishment," Arthur explained.

Seeing the displeasure on the old man's face, Autumn held back talking in defense of the nurse. She decided to change the subject and turned to Lisa," So, what brings you here, doctor?"

Dazed over the discussion, Lisa recovered after hearing Autumn's question. 'I can't tell her I came to check out the woman who captivated Anthony.' She smiled but went on professional mode. "I just wanted to check on you. Patients diagnosed with acute gastroenteritis need to get a lot of rest, okay? And for now, it's just soft diet for you."

Autumn smiled, pleased with the concern. "Don't worry, I'm following doctor's orders." She paused, then with a twinkle in her eye continued," I also have a doctor at home who supervises everything I do day and night. I wouldn't dare eat what I'm not supposed to behind his back!"

Autumn's words amused her grandfather, who burst into laughter. "Ah, my granddaughter is still a mischievous girl. What am I going to do with you?" he said fondly.

Lisa decided her continued stay was already inappropriate. She was overcome with embarrassment. She regretted coming into the ward. Now, all she wanted to do was get out of the place.

"All right, then. It seems you're in good hands. So, I will take my leave," she told everyone.

"I hope to see you around," Autumn said. Autumn caught the hesitation on Lisa's face and wondered if she had something to tell her.

Once Lisa left the room, Autumn urged Arthur and Amy to also leave. She turned to them and said," Grandpa, grandma, why don't you go home too and get some rest? Once I'm better, I will visit you."